The Plateau State Government has directed the immediate temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state as a precautionary measure against suspected cases of diphtheria.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap.
Ramnap said the closure would take effect from Monday and remain in force “until further notice.”
According to her, the measure was necessary to prevent the spread of suspected diphtheria infections reported in parts of the state, particularly Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
“The directive… is taking preventative measures against the diphtheria infection outbreak of suspected cases in some parts of the state, notably Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas,” she said.
The commissioner said the directive applied to all public and private schools, including those that had already resumed academic activities for the new term.
“Accordingly, schools that have already resumed academic activities are also directed to close from Monday, and remain closed until further notice,” she added.
Ramnap urged school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians to comply fully with the directive and ensure that pupils and students remain safely at home throughout the period.
“Furthermore, school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians are to comply fully with the directive and ensure that students and pupils remain safely at home throughout the period as part of measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils, students, teaching and non-teaching staff during the period under review,” she said.
The closure comes amid concerns over suspected diphtheria cases reported in the state.
Health authorities in Plateau have reported suspected cases in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas, prompting the activation of surveillance and response teams in the affected communities.
Diphtheria is an infectious disease that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. Crowded environments, including schools, can facilitate transmission.
In response to the suspected outbreak, the state government said the school closure was aimed at reducing children’s exposure while health authorities carry out contact tracing, vaccination mop-up exercises and decontamination in affected areas.
The government urged residents and other stakeholders to cooperate with health officials and adhere to public health measures to help contain the suspected outbreak.
